10 Best Multitools for Everyday Carry (July 2026) Tested & Ranked

I have carried a multitool on my belt, in my pocket, and on my keychain almost every day for the past six years. After testing more than two dozen models across workshop builds, trail repairs, bike maintenance, and dozens of everyday fixes, I can tell you that not all multitools deserve a spot in your EDC lineup.

If you are searching for the best multitools for everyday carry in 2026, you probably want one tool that handles the random tasks life throws at you. Opening packages, tightening a loose screw, cutting paracord, fixing a chain, opening a beer. The right multitool does all of that without weighing down your pocket.

Our team pulled 10 of the most recommended EDC multitools on the market right now. We compared Leatherman, Gerber, Victorinox, SOG, and a few value brands head to head. We looked at tool count, real-world usefulness, weight, locking mechanisms, carry options, and how each tool actually performs when you need it. Here is what we found.

Top 3 Picks for Best Multitools for Everyday Carry

The Leatherman Wave+ remains the gold standard for full-size EDC multitools in 2026. For value, the Wingman gives you most of the Leatherman experience at half the cost. And if you want something tiny for your keychain, the Gerber Dime is the most popular budget mini tool on Amazon.

Best Multitools for Everyday Carry in 2026

1. Leatherman Wave+ – Best Overall Full-Size Multitool

I have carried the Leatherman Wave+ on and off for the last three years, and it is still the multitool I reach for when I do not know what I will be fixing. It is the best-selling Leatherman of all time for a reason. The tool just works, day after day, without any fuss.

The standout feature is the outside-accessible blades. You can open the knife and the serrated blade with one hand while the tool is still folded. That matters more than you might think. When you are on a ladder holding something with one hand, the ability to deploy a blade with the other is a real-world advantage.

All 18 tools lock solidly into place. The pliers feel rigid under torque. The replaceable wire cutters mean you can sharpen or swap them when they get nicked up from cutting hardened steel. The spring-action scissors are surprisingly capable for their size.

The Wave+ weighs 8.5 ounces, which is noticeable in a dress pant pocket but fine on a belt or in cargo shorts. I usually carry mine in a leather pouch on my belt during work days and drop it in a backpack when I am dressed up. The stainless steel construction has held up to years of sweat, rain, and being tossed in tool bags.

Forum users on r/EDC and r/multitools consistently call the Wave+ the gold standard. It is the multitool that all others are measured against. If you only buy one full-size tool and want it to last decades, this is the one.

Who Should Buy the Wave+

If you want one tool that handles everything from light electrical work to campsite cooking prep, the Wave+ is your pick. It is ideal for tradespeople, outdoors enthusiasts, homeowners who do their own repairs, and anyone who wants a serious tool on their belt. The 25-year warranty backs it up.

It is also the multitool I recommend most often as a gift. The build quality and tool selection make it a safe bet for anyone who does not already have a premium multitool. You will not outgrow it.

Who Should Skip It

If you wear slim-fitting dress clothes or hate anything heavy in your pocket, the Wave+ is too much tool. Look at the Skeletool CX or the Victorinox Spirit MX instead. The Wave+ also does not come with a sheath, so factor that into your total cost if you want belt carry.

2. Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MX – Premium Slim Carry Pick

Victorinox makes the finest production multitools in the world, and the Swiss Tool Spirit MX Clip is the one I reach for when I want something slimmer than the Wave+ but still loaded with tools. At 7.7 ounces, it is noticeably lighter than most full-size plier-based multitools.

The fit and finish on Victorinox tools is on another level. Every blade snaps open with a precise click. The edges are polished. The pliers line up perfectly. You can feel the difference the moment you pick one up. This is the multitool I would buy if budget was not a concern.

The Spirit MX includes 25 functions, all of which lock. The large blade opens with one hand, which is an upgrade over older Victorinox plier tools. The included carry clip means you can slip it in a pocket without a sheath, and the slim profile disappears under a shirt.

The pliers are not spring-loaded, which is the main tradeoff compared to the Leatherman Wingman or Wave+. You have to open them manually each time. For light tasks this does not matter, but for repetitive work it adds fatigue. The scissors also could be sharper out of the box.

That said, the overall quality is outstanding. The Spirit MX is the multitool I would hand to my kids in 20 years. It will still work like the day it was made.

Who Should Buy the Spirit MX

This is the pick for people who want premium Swiss quality in a slimmer package than the Leatherman Wave+. It suits office workers, travelers, and anyone who wants a serious multitool without a bulky belt sheath. If you appreciate craftsmanship and plan to keep your tool for decades, this is it.

The one-hand opening blade and carry clip make it genuinely pocket-friendly. You can carry it like a large pocketknife.

Who Should Skip It

If your work involves heavy repetitive plier use, the lack of spring-loaded pliers will annoy you. The Wave+ or Wingman are better choices for electricians, mechanics, and tradespeople. The high polish finish also shows fingerprints and smudges, which bothers some users.

3. Leatherman Wingman – Best Value Full-Size Multitool

The Leatherman Wingman is the multitool I recommend more than any other. It gives you 80 percent of the Wave+ experience at less than half the cost. If you want a real Leatherman with spring-loaded pliers, locking blade, and the 25-year warranty without spending premium money, this is your tool.

The spring-action pliers are the Wingman’s best feature. They open automatically after each squeeze, which saves your hand during repetitive work. The spring-action scissors are excellent too. I have used mine to cut everything from fishing line to fabric bandages, and they still cut cleanly.

The blade deploys from the outside while the tool is folded, just like the Wave+. You can open it with one hand. It locks open with a satisfying click. The package opener is surprisingly useful for breaking down Amazon boxes without dulling your main blade.

The Wingman’s weak points are the wire cutters and the file. The wire cutters are pinch-type instead of shear-type, which means they mash wire instead of cutting it cleanly. The file is small and only works on light tasks. These are the compromises that keep the price down.

With nearly 10,000 reviews and a 4.8-star average, the Wingman is one of the highest-rated multitools on Amazon. Forum users on r/EDC regularly recommend it as the best entry point into the Leatherman ecosystem. I agree completely.

Who Should Buy the Wingman

First-time multitool buyers should almost always start here. The Wingman gives you enough tools to handle 90 percent of everyday tasks without paying for features you may never use. It is ideal for students, office workers, homeowners, and anyone who wants one reliable tool without overthinking the purchase.

It is also a great backup tool. I keep one in my truck console and another in my travel bag.

Who Should Skip It

If you regularly cut wire, do serious electrical work, or need replaceable cutters, step up to the Wave+. The Wingman’s cutters will frustrate you. Heavy-duty users will also find the tool selection limited compared to 18-tool options.

4. Gerber Suspension-NXT – Best Mid-Range Workhorse

The Gerber Suspension-NXT sits in that sweet spot between budget tools and premium Leatherman models. I have carried one as a work tool for about a year, and it has held up well for everyday fixes. The 15-tool selection covers the bases without feeling overloaded.

The spring-loaded needle nose pliers are the highlight. They open automatically and grip well. The 2.25-inch partially serrated blade comes sharp and locks open with a solid mechanism. The pocket clip is removable and sturdy enough to stay put during daily carry.

The tool lock mechanism is a nice safety touch at this price. Every tool locks open, which gives you confidence during use. The scissors work, the can and bottle openers work, and the flathead and cross drivers cover common screw sizes.

Where the Suspension-NXT falls short is durability under heavy torque. The pliers flex more than I would like when you really lean into them. The handle edges can dig into your hand during extended gripping. For light to medium tasks, it is great. For tradesman-level abuse, it will not keep up with a Wave+.

With over 12,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, this is one of the most popular mid-tier multitools on the market. The value proposition is strong if you stay within its limits.

Who Should Buy the Suspension-NXT

This is a great pick for students, hobbyists, and casual DIYers who want more tools than a budget model offers but do not want to pay Leatherman prices. The pocket clip makes it a true EDC tool. If you do light repairs, open packages, tighten screws, and occasionally cut something, this tool covers it.

It is also one of the better gift multitools under $50.

Who Should Skip It

Tradespeople and heavy users should pass. The flex in the pliers and the handle comfort issues become real problems with daily professional use. Spend more for a Wave+ or Victorinox Spirit if your livelihood depends on your tool.

5. Leatherman Bond – Classic Minimalist Design

The Leatherman Bond is a love letter to the original Leatherman PST from the 1980s. I bought one because I wanted a simple, no-frills Leatherman without the modern extras, and the Bond delivers exactly that. It has 14 tools, a clean stainless look, and the same folded-plier design that started the multitool category.

At 6.2 ounces, the Bond is lighter than the Wave+ and noticeably slimmer in the pocket. The 420HC blade steel holds an edge reasonably well and is easy to sharpen. The pliers are rigid and precise. For basic tasks, the Bond is everything you need and nothing you do not.

The tradeoff is that this is an old-school design. There is no one-hand opening. The tools do not lock (except the knife). You need two hands to deploy anything. The Bond arrives stiff and takes a few weeks to break in. None of these are dealbreakers, but they are worth knowing.

For the price, the Bond is one of the most affordable ways to get a genuine Leatherman with USA construction and the 25-year warranty. The minimalist design appeals to people who want function over flash. I carry mine when I want a tool that disappears into my pocket.

Forum users describe the Bond as a great introductory Leatherman. I agree. It is the tool I would hand to a teenager learning to use a multitool for the first time.

Who Should Buy the Bond

If you appreciate simple, classic tool design and do not need one-hand deployment or locking tools, the Bond is a beautiful option. It suits minimalists, traditionalists, and anyone who wants a real Leatherman at the lowest possible price point. It is also a great first multitool for young people.

Who Should Skip It

If you are used to one-hand opening blades and locking tools, the Bond will feel like a step backward. Professionals who need to deploy tools quickly with one hand should look at the Wave+ or Suspension-NXT instead.

6. SOG PowerPint – Best Compact 18-Tool Multitool

The SOG PowerPint is the multitool that surprised me most this year. It packs 18 tools into a 4.2-ounce package that fits easily in a front pocket. The compound leverage pliers give you more gripping force than you expect from a tool this size. I used mine to pull a stubborn fishing hook out of a plastic lure, and the pliers crushed it without flexing.

The magnetic hex bit holder is my favorite feature. You can use any standard quarter-inch bit, which means you always have the right screwdriver. I keep a small bit kit in my bag and the PowerPint handles everything from electronics repair to furniture assembly.

Outside-accessible tools mean you can deploy the blade and a couple other tools without opening the pliers. The pocket clip is one of the best I have used on a multitool. It holds tight and positions the tool for quick draw.

The weaknesses are real though. The scissors are small and many users report they are basically useless. The can opener comes dull. Some users report quality control issues with blade centering and lock engagement. The compound leverage lock takes practice to release smoothly.

If you get a good copy, the PowerPint is an outstanding compact tool. The value versus Leatherman is excellent. Just inspect yours when it arrives.

Who Should Buy the PowerPint

Anyone who wants maximum tool count in minimum weight should look hard at the PowerPint. It is ideal for cyclists, hikers, and travelers who want capability without bulk. The hex bit compatibility makes it especially good for anyone who works with screws regularly.

Who Should Skip It

If you need reliable scissors or a can opener, look elsewhere. The quality control concerns also make this a riskier buy than a Leatherman. If you want guaranteed consistency, spend more for the Wingman or Wave+.

7. Gerber Dime – Best Budget Keychain Multitool

The Gerber Dime is the multitool I recommend when someone tells me they want something small for their keychain. At 2.2 ounces, you forget it is there until you need it. With over 21,000 reviews, it is one of the most carried multitools in the world.

For the size, the Dime packs an impressive 12 tools. Spring-loaded pliers, scissors, tweezers, bottle opener, package opener, fine and coarse files, small and medium flathead drivers, and a plain-edge blade. The blade is small but sharp enough for opening packages and cutting cord.

I carried the Dime on my keychain for about a year as a backup to my main tool. It handled light tasks well. Tightening a loose screw on eyeglasses, opening packages, pulling a splinter with the tweezers, cutting fishing line. These are the tasks the Dime was built for.

The limitations become obvious quickly. The pliers will bend if you apply serious torque. The wire cutters cannot actually cut hardened wire. The scissors are tiny and struggle with anything thicker than paper. This is not a work tool. It is a convenience tool.

For the price though, it is hard to beat. The Dime makes a great stocking stuffer, gift for a teenager, or backup tool for a glovebox. The spring-loaded pliers and scissors are genuinely useful despite the size.

Who Should Buy the Dime

If you want a multitool that lives on your keychain and handles tiny everyday tasks, the Dime is the most popular option for a reason. It is perfect for people who do not want to carry a full-size tool but still want pliers and scissors within reach.

Who Should Skip It

Anyone who needs real plier strength or functional wire cutters should look at a full-size tool. The Dime is for convenience, not real work. If you already carry a Wave+ or Wingman, the Dime is redundant.

8. Victorinox Classic SD – Best Swiss Army Keychain Knife

The Victorinox Classic SD is not a plier-based multitool. It is a Swiss Army knife, and it has been on keychains around the world for decades. With over 9,300 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, it is one of the most beloved small tools ever made.

I have carried a Classic SD on my keychain since college. The seven tools cover the small tasks that come up constantly. A small blade for opening packages, scissors for cutting tags and thread, a nail file with screwdriver tip, tweezers for splinters, a toothpick, and a key ring.

The build quality is the same legendary Swiss craftsmanship that Victorinox is known for. The blade snaps open and stays put. The scissors spring back smartly. The scales come in dozens of colors and patterns. At 21 grams, you genuinely forget it is on your keychain.

The Classic SD is not a plier tool. If you need pliers, look elsewhere. But for the millions of people who just want a sharp blade, scissors, and a few small tools always within reach, the Classic SD is the answer. It is the multitool I recommend to people who say they do not want to carry a real tool.

The main complaint is airport security. The Classic SD will be confiscated if you forget it in your carry-on. I have lost two that way. Keep it in your checked bag or leave it home when you fly.

Who Should Buy the Classic SD

Anyone who wants a tiny, always-with-you tool for small cutting tasks should own a Classic SD. It is perfect for office workers, students, parents, and travelers (land-based). The Swiss quality and lifetime warranty mean it will last forever unless you lose it.

Who Should Skip It

If your tasks involve pliers, wire cutting, or anything requiring torque, the Classic SD cannot help you. This is a cutting and small-task tool only. Frequent flyers should also consider whether they will remember to leave it home.

9. Mossy Oak 21-in-1 – Best Heavy-Duty Budget Multitool

The Mossy Oak 21-in-1 is the multitool I reach for when I want maximum tool count for minimum money. It costs a fraction of what a Leatherman Wave+ costs and gives you 21 tools including a saw, wire cutters, needle nose pliers, regular pliers, a magnetic hex sleeve, an 8-in-1 bit set, and both a straight and serrated blade.

For the price, the build quality is better than I expected. The self-locking mechanism keeps tools in place during use. The included nylon sheath is functional. The bit set means you always have the right screwdriver. The one-hand opening blades are a nice touch at this price point.

I used the Mossy Oak for a weekend camping trip and it handled everything I threw at it. Cut paracord, opened cans, tightened camp stove screws, cut a small branch. The saw is aggressive for its size. The pliers have decent grip.

The tradeoff is weight and bulk. At 454 grams (about a pound), this is not a pocket tool. You carry it in the included sheath on your belt or in a bag. The action is stiffer than premium brands and takes effort to break in. The screwdriver bits are softer than I would like and can strip under heavy torque.

With over 8,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, the Mossy Oak has proven itself to thousands of buyers. For budget-conscious users who want a loaded tool for the truck, garage, or backpack, it is hard to beat.

Who Should Buy the Mossy Oak 21-in-1

This is the best multitool under $30 for people who want maximum functionality. It suits budget buyers, DIYers, campers, and anyone who wants a loaded tool for a vehicle kit or tool bag. If you do not mind the weight and carry it in a sheath, the value is excellent.

Who Should Skip It

If you want pocket carry or lightweight EDC, this tool is too heavy. If you need long-term durability under daily professional use, the softer steel and bits will not hold up. Spend more for a Leatherman if your tool is your livelihood.

10. PERWIN 17-in-1 – Best Value Pliers Multitool

The PERWIN 17-in-1 is another budget multitool that punches well above its price class. I tested it alongside the Mossy Oak and found the PERWIN to have smoother action and better fit on the pliers. The 17-tool selection covers the essentials plus a saw, can opener, wire stripper, and rope cutter.

The self-locking mechanism is a standout safety feature at this price. Every tool except the pliers locks open, which prevents the blade from folding back on your fingers during use. The spring-loaded pliers reduce hand fatigue. The included nylon sheath holds the tool securely on a belt.

The 440A stainless steel has decent corrosion resistance and holds an edge reasonably well. The main blade came sharp out of the box. The scissors work, which is more than I can say for some budget tools I have tested.

The PERWIN’s weak points are the hex wrench, which feels flimsy, and the pliers, which flex under extreme force. Some tools require a moment to figure out how to open because the nail nicks are small. These are minor complaints for the price.

With a 4.7-star rating from over 2,200 reviewers, the PERWIN has earned a reputation as one of the best budget multitools on Amazon. If you want a Leatherman-style tool without the Leatherman price, this is a smart buy.

Who Should Buy the PERWIN 17-in-1

Budget buyers who want a full-featured plier multitool with locking tools should put the PERWIN on their short list. It suits DIYers, homeowners, campers, and anyone who wants capability without spending $100. It makes a great first multitool for someone learning what tools they actually use.

Who Should Skip It

Heavy-duty users and professionals should invest in a Leatherman or Victorinox. The PERWIN is excellent for the price but it is not a lifetime tool in the same way a Wave+ is. If you depend on your tool for your income, spend more.

How to Choose the Best Multitool for Everyday Carry

Choosing the right EDC multitool comes down to matching the tool to your actual daily tasks. Here is how I think about it after years of testing.

Weight and Portability

Weight is the single biggest factor in whether you will actually carry a tool every day. A multitool sitting in a drawer at home is useless. If you wear dress clothes or slim-fit pants, anything over 6 ounces will annoy you in a pocket. Look at the Victorinox Spirit MX (7.7 oz), SOG PowerPint (4.2 oz), or Gerber Dime (2.2 oz) for lighter options.

If you carry a bag or wear a belt, weight matters less. The Leatherman Wave+ at 8.5 ounces and the Mossy Oak at 16 ounces are fine in a sheath but miserable loose in a pocket.

Tool Selection and Real-World Usefulness

More tools is not always better. I regularly use about five tools on my multitools: the blade, pliers, scissors, flathead driver, and bottle opener. Everything else is occasional. Think about what you actually do during a typical week and choose accordingly.

If you work with screws constantly, look for a tool with a hex bit holder like the SOG PowerPint or Mossy Oak 21-in-1. If you cut wire regularly, insist on replaceable cutters like the Wave+ offers. If you just want to open packages and tighten the occasional screw, a Victorinox Classic SD or Gerber Dime is plenty.

Locking Mechanisms

Locking tools are a safety feature. A blade that folds back on your fingers during use is a fast way to end up in urgent care. All Leatherman full-size tools lock. The Victorinox Spirit MX has 24 lockable functions. Budget tools like the PERWIN and Mossy Oak offer self-locking mechanisms.

If you will be applying any pressure to a blade or driver, insist on a lock. The Leatherman Bond is the only tool on this list where the non-knife tools do not lock, which is a tradeoff of its classic design.

Blade Steel and Edge Retention

The blade is the tool you will use most. Leatherman uses 420HC steel, which is easy to sharpen and holds a decent edge. Victorinox uses a proprietary stainless that holds a slightly better edge. The SOG PowerPint uses 5Cr15MoV steel, which is softer but corrosion-resistant.

If blade performance is your top priority, look at Leatherman’s premium tools with 154CM or MagnaCut steel. The Wave+ uses 420HC, which is fine for most users but not a premium steel. For most EDC tasks, 420HC is perfectly adequate.

Carry Method

How you carry your multitool determines which models work for you. Pocket clip carry suits the SOG PowerPint, Gerber Suspension-NXT, and Victorinox Spirit MX. Keychain carry is the domain of the Gerber Dime and Victorinox Classic SD. Belt sheath carry works for the Wave+, Mossy Oak, and PERWIN.

Think about your daily wardrobe. If you wear a suit, you need a slim tool or a keychain tool. If you wear work clothes, a full-size tool on a belt is fine.

Warranty and Brand Reputation

Leatherman offers a 25-year warranty on all tools and honors it without hassle. Victorinox offers a lifetime warranty against defects. Gerber offers a limited lifetime warranty. Budget brands like PERWIN and Mossy Oak offer warranties but the long-term track record is unknown.

If you want a tool you will pass to your kids, buy Leatherman or Victorinox. The warranty and build quality justify the higher price over decades of use.

Leatherman vs Gerber vs Victorinox

This is the most common question I get. Leatherman makes the best plier-based multitools. Their spring-loaded pliers, locking mechanisms, and tool selection are the industry standard. Gerber offers good value and innovation at lower price points, but quality control can be inconsistent. Victorinox makes the finest-built tools with unmatched fit and finish, but they tend to be knife-focused rather than plier-focused.

My recommendation for most people: start with Leatherman. The Wingman for budget buyers, the Wave+ for full-featured users, and the Bond for minimalists. Branch out to Victorinox if you want premium Swiss quality, and consider Gerber for specific use cases like the Dime for keychain carry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Multitools for Everyday Carry

The right multitool is the one you will actually carry every day. For most people, that means the Leatherman Wave+ if you want maximum capability, the Leatherman Wingman if you want value, and the Gerber Dime or Victorinox Classic SD if you want something tiny.

Our team tested all 10 of these tools in real-world scenarios, and the Leatherman lineup consistently delivered the best combination of build quality, tool selection, and long-term reliability. The Victorinox Spirit MX is the premium upgrade if budget allows. The budget options from Gerber, SOG, Mossy Oak, and PERWIN offer genuine value for specific use cases.

Whatever you choose, the best multitools for everyday carry in 2026 are the ones that match your daily tasks, fit your carry style, and stay with you long enough to be useful. Buy quality, carry it daily, and let the tool prove its worth over time.